Waikiki is world-famous and the destination of many visitors coming to the beautiful island of O’ahu in Hawai’i. The waters are these amazing hues of turquoise and there is nothing better to do than relax at the beach and jump into the ocean to cool off. Sometimes you may even see the turtle that frequents “Canoes”.
Our family came for a visit in July and stayed in Waikiki, where we are based. Each morning they went for a walk and took a dip in the ocean. They’ve inspired me to get into the water more often, or at least hang out at the beach more. It’s just so, so crowded. And the water does get this suntan lotion gleam.
Aside from walkable Waikiki, we also wanted to visit different parts of the island together. It was a great opportunity to hear stories of when Wade’s dad was here in the 60s. Such a different scene.
Hālona Blowhole
Hālona means “lookout” and from our vantage point at the viewing deck, we spotted a turtle just offshore.
The Hālona Blowhole, about twenty minutes from town, was our first stop on the daytrip north. We stopped at the very busy viewing point, and waited. While we were there, because of the calmer ocean conditions, the blowhole was not very active. The scenery was still breathtaking.
Hālona Blowhole is a natural wonder on the island of O’ahu. Volcanic eruptions from thousands of years before created these molten lava tubes. The ocean is forced into small openings and the water moves through these tubes. This is how we get geysers of seawater that can shoot up as high as 30 feet.
Weeks before, Wade and I had gone to Sandy Beach Park, which is just a few minutes away from the blowhole. From there, we witnessed the amazing heights the geysers can reach. You can see this in the video below. That day, the waves were much bigger. We sat in our car and watched the waves, surfers, body boarders, and also the blowhole in the distance. Sandy Beach is definitely for the experienced. The shorebreak is serious.
From the right side of the viewing area at the blowhole, you can also peer down into Hālona Beach Cove. It’s a beautiful beach that’s great for taking in the sun and surf. From the parking lot, there is a steep and rocky trail that takes you down to the beach. This is not a beach for everyone, however. The water can be rough, and further out there is a strong undertow. It is a much safer spot in the summer months, when the water is calmer. Still, always take care and know your swimming strengths and limits. Note that there are no lifeguards or facilities at this beach.
If you are a movie buff, you may know Hālona Beach from a few movies, such as From Here to Eternity. Released in 1953, this black-and-white film is based on the novel by James Jones and is about enlisted men in Hawai’i, in the days prior to the attack of Pearl Harbour. It won eight Oscars. The kissing scene where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr are rolling around in the sand and surf – that’s at this iconic beach. Or perhaps you recognize it from the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean?
Other Points of Interest near Waikiki
- Diamond Head State Monument (requires advance reservation for entry and parking for out-of-state visitors). Diamond Head is about 400,000 to 500,000 years old and is the famous landmark in Waikiki. The trail that starts there is easy and busy with tourists. If you don’t drive, you can take the trolley or bus #23 from Waikiki.
- Koko Crater Botanical Garden is across from Sandy Beach. Free admission (7491 Kokonani St)
- Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2-mile roundtrip that is graded as moderate level of difficulty. This trial has exposed hot terrain – so bring a hat/umbrella. It offers views of the island’s southeastern shoreline. You can see Koko Head and Koko Crater and on a clear day, even Moloka’i and Lana’i. (a 5-minute drive from Sandy Beach)
According to Hawaiian legend, Koko Crater is the imprint left by the magical flying vagina of Kapo, sent from the Big Island to lure the pig god Kamapuaʻa away from her sister Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Inside the crater today is a quiet, county-run botanical garden abloom with flowering aloe plants and wiliwili trees, fragrant plumeria, spiny cacti and other native and exotic dryland species. Connecting loop trails lead through the lonely garden.
Lonely Planet
Sandy Beach Park
Sandy Beach has powerful waves, strong currents, and shallow shorebreak. Its quick ocean drop off means water levels are quickly and suddenly overhead. This is a popular spot for experienced surfers, bodysurfers, and bodyboarders. A great spot for picnic and watching the ocean and bodyboarders riding the waves and barrels.
Sandy Beach Park is just a few minutes from Hālona Blowhole and it’s definitely worth a stop. This beach has lifeguard stations and facilities; however, it is for experienced swimmers and surfers. The waves are big here and they break pretty much at the shoreline so it can be very dangerous for the inexperienced.
It’s a great place to watch the ocean and the the kids playing in the surf or spinning on their boogie boards. There are some areas further down the beach that you can safely dip your toes, if you want to explore. Plus a few food options.
Located on the southeastern side of O’ahu, Sandy Beach Park probably offers some spectacular sunrise views.
Duke
Duke: The Life Story of Duke Kahahamoku is a book by Joseph L. Brennan about his friend. Duke Kahahamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was an Olympic swimmer who won multiple medals. Among many of his life adventures, he also brought surfing outside of Hawai’i. On August 11, 1911, Duke broke two world swimming records, which catapulted him into the public eye. Born in the Kingdom of Hawai’i, he was a native Hawai’ian and he walked in many worlds.
We bought a copy of this book as a gift for Wade’s dad, who’s an avid sportsman and who surfed countless spots, including O’ahu and Kaua’i from the 1960s.
Kailua
Our next stop was Kailua.
Just 12 miles northeast of Honolulu, Kailua is on the other side of Nu’uanu Pali which is the tallest mountain peak in the Ko’olau mountain range. This beach town on O’ahu’s windward side has a decidedly laidback vibe. Its name means “two currents” or “two seas”.
Here you can find two beautiful beaches, Lanikai and Kailua. Lanikai, which means “heavenly sea”, is a good swimming beach, so beautiful with its turquoise waters and soft sands. From here, you can see the islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua. Because of its consistent onshore trade wind, it’s a popular spot for windsurfing, hydrofoiling, and other water sports. At Kailua beach, you can also rent equipment to get out on the water.
Kailua, mountains and wetlands.
In the 16th century, Kailua attracted the ali’i giving birth to many rich Hawaiian legends, some of which may be found in written and oral reminiscences in Hawaii State Libraries. Many legends were born here including the menehune who were known for working at night in Kaiwainui Marsh and mo’o who took the shape of a large lizardthat attracted fish. Kailua was denselypopulated before the arrival of Captain Cook and was the ancient capital of O’ahu’s kings.
The biggest event in Kailua and the entire Windward side was in 1795 when King Kamehameha I conquered O’ahu in his quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The King granted Kaiwainui Marsh and old Kailua, which included large freshwater fish ponds and saltwater ponds at Mokapu, to the warriors and chiefs that had helped him. The land was used in various forms for agriculture from sugarcane to rice to taro and eventually was used primarily for cattle raising.
Kailua Chamber of Commerce
Kailua has a lot of local shops, dive shops, and a Salvation Army that people come to scour for vintage Hawaiian shirts.
Before lunch, our parents suggested a drive around Kailua to see if they can find their friend’s place. Past Kailua Beach Park, we followed Mōkūlua Drive and up the one-street on A’alapapa Drive which takes us around in a loop through this beautiful and interesting beach-side residential area.
We didn’t end up finding the house.
Back on Mōkūlua Drive, there are multiple public beach access points. In the state of Hawai’i, beaches are open to the public. So when you see crowds of parked cars and “no parking” and “privacy” signs on lawns, there is likely nearby public access to the beach, a narrow lane “cut” between properties. Public access to the beach and shoreline is a right in the state of Hawai’i.
On the way back to town, we stopped at the eastern side of Kailua Beach Park for a dip. We found parking at the smaller unpaved lot, managing to squeeze into one last remaining spot. It’s a small beach here, with a couple of picnic benches, and we got into the ocean on the right side of the boat launch. It was serendipitous timing and place. As we approached the water, we could see a turtle near the shore.
Lunch in Kailua
Bowles Burritos offers Mexican comfort food. We got a veggie bowl, a burrito, and a cheese quesadilla. As we already had a happy hour reservation back in Waikiki that day, we only ate lightly.
Wade and I first found this place the first time we were exploring O’ahu. We had dinner plans with friends at their home in Kāne’ohe and decided to visit this side of the island beforehand. Walking around town for a gift, we found Mānoa Chocolate in a square. By the time we ate lunch at Bowles Burritos, many of the shops were closed.
It’s already been quite a day when we sat down at Bowles Burritos. Especially for Wade’s parents, coming from a California. They are still three hours ahead and needed a rest before our 5:30 PM Happy Hour reservation at Apetito.
North Shore would have to wait for another day.